Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever

Which dog breed is right for you?

Bloodhound

Size
80–110 lbs, 23–27 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Patient Determined Friendly

Labrador Retriever

Size
55–80 lbs, 21–25 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Outgoing Active Gentle

About the Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a scent hound of unparalleled tracking ability, with origins dating back over a thousand years to monasteries in medieval Belgium and France. These large, noble dogs stand 23–27 inches tall and weigh 80–110 pounds, with a loose-skinned, powerful build and famously droopy ears and facial folds that help channel scent toward their nose. Their short, dense coat comes in black-and-tan, liver-and-tan, and red, requiring minimal grooming beyond regular wrinkle cleaning.

Temperament & Personality

Bloodhounds are gentle, patient, and affectionate — despite their imposing size, they are among the most docile and tolerant of all breeds. They are wonderful with children and other animals, displaying remarkable patience even with rough handling from toddlers. However, when they catch an interesting scent, they become single-minded and nearly impossible to redirect — they have been known to follow a trail for over 130 miles.

Pros

  • Possesses the most powerful nose in the canine world — their trailing results are admissible in court
  • Gentle, patient, and affectionate with all family members including young children
  • Excellent with other dogs and household pets
  • Calm and easygoing indoors, content to lounge when not working

Cons

  • Copious drooling — their loose jowls produce significant slobber, especially after eating and drinking
  • Strong, determined pullers on leash who can be nearly impossible to control when trailing a scent
  • Prone to bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, and ear infections due to their long, pendulous ears
  • Relatively short lifespan of 10–12 years and susceptible to skin fold dermatitis

These gentle giants have hearts as big as their noses — explore adoptable Bloodhounds on Puplister today.

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

  • Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
  • Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
  • Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
  • Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

  • Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
  • Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
  • High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
  • Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bloodhound and a Labrador Retriever?
The Bloodhound is 80–110 lbs, 23–27 in sized while the Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized. They differ in size (80–110 lbs, 23–27 in vs 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 10–12 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bloodhound or Labrador Retriever?
Bloodhound is generally good with kids. Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bloodhound or Labrador Retriever?
The Bloodhound has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years.

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